ing Christmas isn't one of them!Uh...where, pray tell, did I ever mention feelings in my post? I described a marginalization of the dominant culture by corporate and judicial oligarchies. This marginalization occurs when judges and corporations forbid the display of the outward and public expressions of that culture. You can argue legitimately whether my assessment is right or not, but my feelings have nothing to do with it, nor would I feel compelled to share them with you. In fact, I face this phenomenon with the utmost serenity because deep down I see it as an ultimately unsustainable trend - perhaps wishful thinking, but nonetheless it's how I approach these events.
That's a legitimate point of argument. I look more at the role of the Christian weltenschaaung than I do at specific events or individual acts in history, but I understand where you're coming from.
Ah, yes, and I was especially impressed with the fact that they have a page entirely dedicated to my being able to search the records of Christ's Hospital. http://jefferson.village.virginia.edu/vcdh/jamestown/christs_hospital/search_ch.html
Now hold on just a second ...
I'm not sure what the name of a place in England has to do with anything.
Valid point.
And many (most?) Americans celebrating Christmas can be called Christians only nominally. I bet that a majority of people opening gifts tomorrow haven't set foot in a church in years and many of them probably won't think of Christ at all the whole day. Perhaps refraining from applying "Christmas" to the the December 25 gift giving celebration makes sense on another level
What are my theological views? I don’t recall ever sharing them with you, nor do I plan to, nor do I believe this discussion to be a theological one but rather a discussion of history.
I hate repeating myself. The Puritans did not come to the new world because of "theological disagreements with the religion of the establishment". They went to Holland for that reason. William Bradford himself (you know, the Puritan leader for 35 years) gave four reasons why they left for the new world and not one of them was to escape the church of England. Obviously you won’t take my word for it so read his.
I don’t disagree with you on this point. That wasn’t what you and I were discussing though, was it?
I have read quite a few letters, books, and histories of the Founding Fathers and Framers and I have never found anything penned by them that would substantiate this belief. Of course, I am always happy to expand my knowledge of history, so would you be so kind as to provide your documentation of this view?
I know what you meant. But what does saying "You shouldn't say 'Happy Holidays because it will offend Christmas celebrators." imply about those Christmas celebrators? Or does the same logic not apply to Santa's Soldiers?
The fact that I identify with it, notice it on my radar screen, whatever, doesn't mean that I, on a personal level, feel marginalized. However, in spite of your anecdotes, it's really kind of disingenuous to suggest that there is no effort to hush references to Christianity in American life. I've been living in the United States since 1974, and the difference since is dramatic.
) as long as they're respectfuul, I will be too. ). 
You don't sound particularly un-pissed...happy holidays to you as well
